Early Postwar Bolo Mauser C96 Broomhandle 7.63x25mm Semi-Auto Pistol C&R
SOLD FOR: $1,560.00
WOA#: WY240529FS043
Make: Mauser
Model: C96, “Bolo”
Serial#: 494768
Year of Manufacture: Circa 1921-1923
Caliber: 7.63x25mm (.30 Mauser)
Action Type: Semi-Automatic Short-Recoil Pistol with an Internal Magazine fed by stripper clips.
Markings: The left shoulder of the chamber ring is marked with the serial number “494768” above a double crowned “U” Imperial-era German proof. The top of the chamber ring is marked “WAFFENFABRIK / MAUSER / OBERNDORF A/N”. The magazine floorplate is marked “4768”. The locking block is marked “4768”. The sear disconnector is marked “768”. The rear of the lock-frame is marked “494768”. The hammer is marked “NS” (Neues Sicherung; lit. “New Safety”) above “768”. The right side of the frame is marked “WAFFENFABRIK MAUSER / OBERNDORF A. NECKAR” on the raised panel, the recessed panel in front of it is marked “C.96 7.63 GER”. The top of the back-strap is marked “494768”. The rear of the bolt is marked with a crown above a crowned “u” and “4768”. The bolt stop is marked “4768”. The inside of the right grip panel is stamped “4768”, the inside of the left panel is not marked. The bottom of the barrel has a Keng’s Firearm Specialty import-mark.
Barrel Length: 3.9”
Sights/ Optics: The front sight is a banded blade and the rear sight is a “V”-notch tangent leaf marked 50-1000 meters.
Stock Configuration & Condition/ Grip: The grips are two-piece serrated wood. The grips have scattered light nicks, scuffs and scratches. There is some minor damage to the serrations, but they are generally well defined. There are no cracks. Overall, the grip panels are in Very Good condition.
Type of Finish: Black coating, possibly enamel.
Finish Originality: Refinished
Bore Condition: The bore is gray with well defined rifling. There is scattered light erosion and some minor pitting, mostly concentrated in the grooves. In this writer’s opinion, the bore rates 6 out of 10.
Overall Condition: The pistol retains about 96% of its current metal finish. The new finish is generally strong throughout with some light operational wear and a few scattered light marks. There is light erosion, some nicks and scratches visible under the finish. The screw head is tool marked with a strong slot. The markings range from clear to worn, but legible. Overall, the pistol is in Very Good condition as refinished.
Mechanics: The action functions correctly. We did not fire this pistol. As with all used firearms, a thorough cleaning may be necessary to meet your maintenance standards.
Box Paperwork and Accessories: None.
Our Assessment: At the end of the 19th century semi-automatic handguns were being adopted by most major powers. Germany was at the forefront of this firearms revolution, a number of prominent designs coming from the relatively young nation (it took its modern form in 1871 following the Franco-Prussian War). Among the most iconic was the Mauser Model 1896 (remembered as the C96), designed by the Feederle brothers (Fidel, Friedrich and Josef) whom were close associates of Paul Mauser, the owner of the famous German arms manufacturer, and they all worked at Mauser’s experimental workshop. They developed a number of prototypes over the course of the early 1890s before finally perfecting what would become the C96 in 1896. A number of variations of the design were produced by Mauser over a production cycle that would last over four decades; most featured a 10 round fixed internal magazine that was loaded with stripper clips. Most C96s were chambered for the 7.63x25mm cartridge and a number were later also chambered for 9mm Luger rounds (several other chamberings exist as well, but these are the two most common by far). Mauser’s design was adopted by the German military and the company secured a number of contracts with various powers to sell the weapon to their armed forces; this included the Ottoman Empire, Italy, Persia and Austro-Hungary. The gun saw extensive use during WWI and was still in service during WWII with the Wehrmacht to a much more limited degree.
This particular specimen is an early post-WWI “Bolo” variant of the C96, likely produced between 1921-1923. The term “Bolo” is of unknown origin, although a commonly held theory is that it was slang for “Bolshevik” as the gun saw widespread use in the Communist Red Army during the Russian Civil War. These guns, officially designated the Model 1921 were indeed sold to the Bolsheviks by Mauser. They are distinguished by shorter barrels (99mm compared to 140mm seen on German Army stock), and a shorter grip. This specimen has been refinished with a black coating, possibly enamel, giving it a distinctive appearance. The serialized parts are matching, the bore is decent, and the action functions correctly. For fans of the classic design this gun will certainly make a fun addition to your collection. Good luck on your bid!
Please forgive any typos, I was educated in California. -Bud
